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Topic: John Dowland for piano  (Read 1606 times)

Offline klavierking

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John Dowland for piano
on: December 11, 2020, 10:53:09 PM
Can anyone recommend some John Dowland lute works that have been arranged for the piano? I also play classical guitar, and many of his lute works, especially the Fantasias (or "Fancies" as they are also known) are extremely difficult to play due to the often dense counterpoint. It occurred to me the other day that they might work better on the piano, much like Bach's so-called lute suites work much better on a keyboard instrument (He might have actually composed them for the lautenklavier). I could probably try to transcribe some myself, but I don't have the patience! So, if anyone knows of any good arrangements, I'd appreciate knowing where to find them. (Yes, I've tried IMSLP to no avail.)

Offline lettersquash

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #1 on: December 11, 2020, 11:54:42 PM
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Offline klavierking

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #2 on: December 12, 2020, 12:35:28 AM
I got this message: "There is currently no text in this page."

Offline lettersquash

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #3 on: December 12, 2020, 12:45:47 PM
Oh that's odd - that website is a bit messed up. Maybe try this link instead. If that's no good, I just found it by putting "john dowland" in their search box and doing a bit of meandering from there. https://imslp.org/wiki/Lute_Music_(Dowland%2C_John)
OH NO, I SEE WHAT IT IS - the closing parenthesis hasn't been made hot in the link. Just add it to your browser address bar!
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Offline klavierking

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #4 on: December 12, 2020, 09:25:13 PM
Thanks, but I don't see what I'm looking for.

Offline lettersquash

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #5 on: December 13, 2020, 12:18:17 AM
Did you add a ")" at the end of the link and find the John Dowland page?
If so, below the performance pics there's a heading "Sheet music" and below that a tab with "Scores (1)" on it, and below that are the details of one score for John Dowland edited by Peter Warlock. There's a button, "View" towards the right, and if you click on that, it will show you the preview of the pdf so you can see if it'll suit you. You'll also find links to buy the score in US or UK currency below that, although it doesn't say how much it is and just a form to send them to get in touch, but it puts the file number in for you. I guess they'd get back with a quote.
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Offline klavierking

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #6 on: December 13, 2020, 12:56:32 AM
It didn't work the first time--just listed some pieces they have, but I tried it again and found the Warlock, which has 3 of the Fantasias I wanted--thank you so much!

Offline lettersquash

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #7 on: December 13, 2020, 02:11:32 PM
My pleasure - I look forward to hearing the result some time maybe! I agree with you about the Bach, that the lute suites work well on piano, and some of the cello suites too, despite the lack of control over the attack of a note, vibrato, etc. Vibrato is overdone in baroque music anyway. People crucify things like the slow movement of Bach's Concerto for Two Vioins. So much icing on the cake they completely lose the cake.
ATB, John.
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Offline klavierking

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #8 on: December 13, 2020, 04:35:36 PM
My pleasure - I look forward to hearing the result some time maybe! I agree with you about the Bach, that the lute suites work well on piano, and some of the cello suites too, despite the lack of control over the attack of a note, vibrato, etc. Vibrato is overdone in baroque music anyway. People crucify things like the slow movement of Bach's Concerto for Two Vioins. So much icing on the cake they completely lose the cake.
ATB, John.

I once learned Bach's Prelude, Fugue, and Allegro on guitar, and shortly after I played  pianist Sviatoslav Richter's recording of it. My wife came in and said, "So, that's what it's supposed to sound like." I think she was kidding... :)

Offline lettersquash

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Re: John Dowland for piano
Reply #9 on: December 14, 2020, 12:17:00 PM
 ;D
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